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Yaqub (Jacob), called Israel, father of the twelve tribes
The Prophet Yaqub (Jacob)
Israel — the one who persists in prayer
Origins and Prophetic Line
A Blessed Line
- Son of the Prophet Ishaq (Isaac)
- Grandson of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)
- Twin brother of Al-Is (Esau)
- Also known by the name Israel
The Twelve Sons
From Leah
- Reuben (Rubil)
- Simeon (Shamun)
- Levi (Lawi)
- Judah (Yahudha)
- Issachar (Yashjar)
- Zebulun (Zabilun)
From Rachel
- Yusuf (Joseph)
- Benjamin (Binyamin)
From the Handmaids
- Dan (Dan)
- Naphtali (Naftali)
- Gad (Jad)
- Asher (Ashir)
The Trial of Yusuf
The Separation
- The apparent loss of his beloved son
- Hope kept alive against all appearances
- Unshakeable faith in divine mercy
- The temporary loss of his sight through grief
Qualities and Virtues
The Move to Egypt
Reunited with Yusuf
- The journey to Egypt at Yusuf's invitation
- The miraculous return of his sight
- The family brought back together
- Settling in Egypt
Legacy
A Lasting Influence
- Father of the twelve tribes of Israel
- An example of patience in adversity
- A model of faith and perseverance
- A source of teaching on hope and trust in Allah
Yaqub, prophet of Islam: discover his remarkable story
Yaqub, also known as Jacob, holds a central place in the story of the prophets of Islam. Son of Ishaq and grandson of Ibrahim, he inherited the prophetic mission and guided his people to the way of Allah. His story teaches us patience in the face of trials and absolute trust in Allah.
The Quran mentions Yaqub in several surahs, above all in the story of his son Yusuf. That account reveals a loving father but also a wise prophet who understands the divine signs. When Yusuf tells him his dream, Yaqub knows at once that his son will be given a particular mission by Allah.
Yaqub's life is marked by hard trials. The loss of Yusuf plunges him into a deep sorrow that lasts for years. Despite that pain, he never loses his faith. He goes on praying and hoping, showing his other sons the example of the patient believer. That bearing earns him the admiration and respect of his family.
The twelve sons of Yaqub would become the forefathers of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each of them carries part of their father's spiritual legacy. That line shows how divine guidance is passed from one generation to the next through the prophets of Islam.
The central lesson of Yaqub's story lies in his perseverance in the face of trials. It teaches us that Allah sometimes tests those closest to Him in order to strengthen their faith. Muslims can draw on his example in their own hard times, keeping their trust in Allah and reciting the duas he taught us.
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ReadYou may be wondering…
Who is Yaqub in Islam?
Why is Yaqub called Israel?
Israel is Yaqub's second name, which tradition links to the sense of one who persists in the way of Allah. From that name comes the Quranic expression Banu Israil, the Children of Israel, meaning his descendants, to whom many prophets such as Musa and Isa were sent.
Who are the twelve sons of Yaqub?
Yaqub had twelve sons, the forefathers of the twelve tribes of Israel. According to tradition, six were born to Leah (among them Reuben, Judah and Levi), two to Rachel (Yusuf and Benjamin) and four to his handmaids (Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher). Yusuf, the most beloved, became a prophet in his turn.
How did Yaqub bear the loss of Yusuf?
When his sons claimed that a wolf had devoured Yusuf, Yaqub understood that they were hiding the truth from him and chose beautiful patience. He wept for his son for years, until he lost his sight, saying that he complained of his grief and sorrow only to Allah, never losing hope in His mercy (Surah Yusuf).
Did Yaqub find Yusuf again?
Yes. Having risen to high office in Egypt, Yusuf made himself known to his brothers and sent his shirt to his father. Laid on Yaqub's face, it miraculously restored his sight. The whole family then moved to Egypt, where the dream of the eleven stars, the sun and the moon bowing before Yusuf came true.